Philippe Baptiste, a French researcher, was denied entry to the United States due to critical messages found on his phone. Baptiste, who was on assignment for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), had intended to attend the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. However, US authorities deemed his phone exchanges with colleagues and friends, where he criticized the Trump administration's research policy, as "hateful and conspiratorial."
The denial of entry stems from Baptiste's personal opinions expressed in private communications. These messages led US authorities to inform him of an FBI investigation before ultimately expelling him from the country. Charges against Baptiste were dropped prior to his expulsion. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Baptiste's criticism of the Trump administration's research policy has sparked discussions in the academic community. He expressed concerns over the implications of such actions on international research collaborations and academic freedom.
“Many well-known researchers are already questioning their future in the United States,” Baptiste stated, highlighting the potential impact on scientific exchanges.
The situation has raised questions about freedom of opinion and academic freedom. Baptiste emphasized these values, stating:
“Freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold. I will defend the right of all French researchers to be faithful to them, while respecting the law.”
While expressing his personal opinions, Baptiste also questioned the rationale behind the US authorities' actions:
“The boss of SpaceX? The head of the American public administration? None of this makes any sense,” he remarked, reflecting on his unexpected experience.